The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a call for submissions to the Saranac Lake Depot Request for Information (RFI). The RFI is an invitation to submit ideas and plans for use and public access to the historic Saranac Lake Depot building on the Adirondack Rail Trail in the village of Saranac Lake. The Depot is near the center of Saranac Lake and is located near the multi-use recreational Adirondack Rail Trail under development.

DEC Region 5 Director Joe Zalewski said, “DEC is committed to providing opportunities for public input throughout the Adirondack Rail Trail project. The Saranac Lake Depot is a major gateway for public access along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail with significant potential for a unique partnership that will enhance both the trail and the local community. We hope to hear from a wide range of diverse stakeholders about how this historical landmark could be used to ensure it has a prominent place in the region’s future.”

DEC is seeking plans and ideas that address site objectives as laid out in the Unit Management Plan, including preservation of this historic structure, opportunities for historic interpretation, facilitation of a welcoming outdoor experience for the public, and activities or operations that complement the Adirondack Rail Trail. The RFI offers extensive background and information about the site, including but not limited to zoning and land use, site images and building floor plans, and the existing conditions of the infrastructure. This information allows for submissions to account for current conditions and required preservation of the site.

The Depot is located on the new Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use trail connecting the villages of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid. The first phase of the trail connecting Saranac Lake and Lake Placid is scheduled to open for year-round public use later this year. Subsequent phases of the Rail Trail will open in 2024 and 2025. The rail trail is designed for walking, running, cycling, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The trail will be open to the public all day, year-round once complete.

DEC asks that local residents and visitors avoid the Adirondack Rail Trail during construction. The area is closed for use and should be avoided until the project is complete.

DEC will accept questions about the Depot and the RFI process, as well as requests for a site tour to better inform submissions, through Oct. 16, 2023. All questions will be answered in a publicly available online document that will be posted on the Adirondack Rail Trail webpage no later than one week prior to the close of the submission acceptance period. RFI submissions will be accepted through Nov. 3, 2023. RFI submissions, questions, and tour requests should be sent to Comment.DepotRFI@dec.ny.gov. RFI submissions will also be accepted through the mail, according to page 10 of the RFI.